Sierra Leone building collapse kills 8, including 3 children: Video

The seven-storey structure, which housed several families, began to show signs of instability before it ultimately gave way between 11 am and 12 pm GMT on Monday, September 16.

Emergency services responded swiftly, but the extent of the damage made rescue efforts exceedingly challenging. Despite their best efforts, eight lives were lost, leaving the local community in shock and mourning.

Many residents expressed their grief and frustration over the tragedy. Safiatu Kargbo, a relative of six trapped victims, shared her harrowing experience:

"I was on public transport going to central Freetown when my friends told me to check social media. My mother informed me that some members of our family, my uncle and cousins, were under the rubble after a building collapse. I cancelled my journey and rushed to the scene. My uncle told me six of his children were trapped under the rubble. When we called their phone, they responded that they were under the veranda when the building collapsed."

The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) released a statement confirming the tragic toll:

"Thus far, six survivors have been rescued from the rubble, while eight victims have been confirmed dead."

The victims included three men, two women, two girls under five, and a boy under five, according to AFP.

Local authorities have vowed to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the collapse. Preliminary reports suggest that poor construction practices and lack of proper maintenance may have significantly contributed to the disaster.